Remember vacations before kids? You could wait until the last minute, then book a multiconnection fl ght and a cotless hotel room -- the latter located a half-mile from the nearest elevator or ice machine. With kids in tow, though, convenience is king, and around the holidays even the savviest shoppers can end up paying through the (reindeer's) nose. We asked industry experts how families can up their odds of finding affordable accommodations and fares, even during peak travel times. Read on for ten ideas that may help you save.
1. Use a travel search engine.
If you're like most parents we know, you don't have time to pound the keyboard for deals. Thanks to airfare search engines, such as kayak.com, farecompare.com, and fly.com, you don't have to. These sites collect and display ticket prices from dozens of airlines and online travel agencies, then direct you to the seller's website when you're ready to buy. Just be sure to verify the final price -- including taxes and fees -- before booking. One drawback: Some lower-cost carriers, such as Southwest and JetBlue, publish flights only on their sites, so you'll need to check them individually.
2. Clearing your cache may save you cash.
It might seem counterintuitive, but in the online shopping business, loyalty isn't always rewarded. According to Jeff Pecor at Yapta.com, the best discounts are typically reserved for new customers, because retailers want to win over first-timers. Jeff's tip: To outsmart the system and make booking sites think you're new, try clearing the cookies on your computer (use your browser's help function to learn how) before you start your search.
3. Plan ahead -- but not too far ahead.
Airlines usually release their best fares about 3 1/2 months in advance. When you're ready to buy, advises farecompare.com cofounder Rick Seaney, shop on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. The cheapest tickets are often found on these days (with the greatest number of "cheap" seats available on Tuesdays at 3 p.m.).
4. Try to fly midweek.
According to Seaney, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the least expensive days to fly. But fortunately for families with school-age kids, Saturdays can also see better fares. Just be prepared to lower your expectations during holidays and school vacation weeks. "You really can't win, so your job is to find a better bad deal," he says. He advises avoiding flying on the Sunday or Monday after a holiday, when fares are usually at their peak.
5. Sign up for fare alerts.
They're free and easy to use, and most of the major travel sites, including kayak.com and farecompare.com, offer them. All you have to do is sign up and put in your travel dates. When the fare drops, you'll get an e-mail.
6. Think twice about opaque travel sites.
So-called opaque sites, such as hotwire.com and portions of priceline.com, offer discounted room rates at unnamed hotels. (On priceline.com, you can pick out rooms at named hotels, or at unnamed ones using the site's Name Your Own Price feature.) But these sites have restrictions that aren't always right for families. For example, some sites, including priceline.com, guarantee double occupancy only. Hotwire.com offers more flexibility, but you won't know the sleeping arrangements -- two queen beds, say, or a double bed with a sleeper sofa -- until you get to the hotel. You also won't find out where you're staying until after you've paid, and you can't get your money back if you have to cancel.
7. Consider travel insurance.
Let's face it, kids get sick at inconvenient times, and one bout of the flu can end up costing a bundle in rebooking charges and cancellation fees. So travel insurance is a good idea, right? Not always. If you're booking just a hotel with a no-fee cancellation policy, for example, don't bother. Insurance can be a financial lifesaver, though, if you're buying airline tickets, a vacation package, or a cruise. "Always read the fine print," says Mark Murphy, founder of traveltribe.com. "If some components of your trip can be canceled without penalty, then weigh the cost of any other cancellation fees against the price of travel insurance. Chances are, you're better off buying the insurance. If you don't need it, you'll wish you hadn't paid for it. But if you do, you'll be grateful you did!" Make sure the insurance will cover the entire cost of your trip, even if you have to cancel because just one family member gets sick. For free quotes, go to the travel insurance comparison site, squaremouth.com.
8. Shop online, then contact the hotel directly.
To save on lodging, start with a hotel search engine, such as hotelscombined.com or dealbase.com (the site's Deal Analyzer breaks down the price to determine the value), then call the hotel directly or check their site before booking. "Many major hotel chains practice parity pricing," says Mark Murphy. "So the rate you find at a third-party site may be the same or close to what the hotel is offering. But hotels want you to book through them, so they'll sometimes throw in a perk, like kids stay free or a deal on upgrading to a suite."
9. Don't rule out a travel agent.
Even if you're a do-it-yourselfer, booking with an agent offers a distinct advantage. A pro can help you tailor the right vacation for your family, then put together a package that's within your budget. She can also help you figure out your travel insurance needs. The potential drawback? If you end up canceling the trip, some agents will charge a commitment fee to cover their time. To find an agent, go to travelsense.org, the consumer site of the American Society of Travel Agents.
10. Join a loyalty program.
They're free, most major chains offer them, and the perks can turn an okay deal into a better value. Sure, you may start getting marketing e-mails (you can easily unsubscribe), but the benefits for your family can include free juice and coffee in the morning, complimentary Internet access, and points toward future stays.
